Exercise System

ABSTRACT

An exercise system for conducting complete body range of motion exercises having a base restable on a surface. A vertical support is mounted to the base. A rear support is attached between the base and the vertical support. At least one lower resistance device is slidably secured to the rear support. A lower resistance band is attached to the lower resistance device with a handle on each end. A back support is mounted to the vertical support. A chest support is mounted above the abdominal support. A head support is mounted to the vertical support with an upper resistance device mounted below the head support. An upper resistance band is attached to the upper resistance device with a handle on each end. A pair of arms extends from the vertical support. The resistance bands provide resistance to the user thereby toning and strengthening user&#39;s body improving both posture and range of motion.

The present application claims the benefit of priority of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/464,374, filed on Mar. 3, 2011, entitled “Exercise system”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to an exercise system and, more particularly, the invention relates to an exercise system enabling users to comfortably and properly complete upper body range of motion exercises.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There is little dispute that regular exercise is extremely beneficial to the human body. Whether an elderly couple embarking on an evening stroll, a health conscious coed enjoying an afternoon aerobics class, or a homemaker stretching her muscles and raising her heartbeat through yoga, regular exercise is beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. In particular, performing upper body exercises will not only work the muscles of the chest, shoulders, triceps and biceps, but can also work the heart and lungs, while improving posture. As such, a properly executed upper bodywork out can effectively improve overall health. An important aspect of upper body exercise has to do with achieving proper range of motion. Range of motion is the normal range of movement for a joint, specifically: flexion (how far it can be bent) and extension (how far it can be stretched out). Joints are where bones come together. Joints hold the bones together and allow for movement of the skeleton. All of the bones form joints (except the hyoid bone in the neck). A beneficial range of motion exercise is sometimes referred to as “angel arms”. Angel arms provide a great way to perfect one's understanding of how to use the arms and shoulders without losing the alignment of the back and ribcage. Angel arms develop core stabilization, improve posture, and help increase range of motion for the shoulders and arms.

SUMMARY

The present invention is an exercise system for conducting complete body range of motion exercises. The exercise system comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface with the top surface restable on a surface. A vertical support is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the vertical support mounted to the top surface of the base. A rear support is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the rear support attached to the top surface of the frame and the second end of the rear support attached to the vertical support at a point above the base frame. At least one lower resistance device is slidably secured to the rear support. A lower resistance band is releasably attachable to the at least one lower resistance device with the lower resistance band having a handle on each end. A back support is mounted to the vertical support. A chest support is mounted above the abdominal support. A head support is mounted to the second end of the vertical support. An upper resistance device is mounted below the head support. An upper resistance band is releasably attachable to the upper resistance device with the upper resistance device having a handle on each end. A pair of arms extends from the vertical support. Upon the user grasping the handles and pulling on either the lower resistance band or the upper resistance band, the resistance bands provide resistance to the user thereby toning and strengthening user's body thus improving both posture and range of motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view illustrating the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the exercise system in a configuration for a male user;

FIG. 4 is still another rear perspective view illustrating the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the exercise system in a configuration for a female user;

FIG. 5 is an elevational side view illustrating a top portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a head cushion moveable in and out;

FIG. 6 is an elevational side view illustrating the top portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a chest cushion moveable in and out;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the resistance bands secured to the exercise system;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the resistance bands secured to the exercise system; and

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view illustrating the top portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the present invention is an exercise system, indicated generally at 10, enabling users to comfortably and properly complete upper body range of motion exercises. The exercise system 10 of the present invention is an upright exercise equipment utilized when standing and configured expressly for use in toning and strengthening the entire body, thus improving both posture and range of motion.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention includes a substantially planar base 12 positionable directly on a surface. Extending from the base 12 is a vertical support 14 having a first end and a second end with the first end of the vertical support 14 secured to the base 12 by bolts, screws, welding, or other fastening mechanism. The vertical support 14 preferably has a bottom piece secured to the base 12 and a top piece slidably receivable within the bottom piece allowing the height of the vertical support 14 to be adjusted, as desired. Basically, the length of the vertical support 14 is adjustable, i.e., telescoping, allowing the user to determine the position of the various supports by raising and lowering the vertical support 14 to accommodate users of varying heights. The desired height of the vertical support 14 is releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 16 or the like.

In addition, the exercise system 10 of the present invention includes a rear support 18 having a first end and a second end with the first end of the rear support 18 attached to the base 12 and the second end of the support attached to the vertical support 14 at a point above the base 12. Preferably, the rear support 18 angles from the base 12 to the vertical support 14 providing better securement of the vertical support 14 relative to the base 12 when exercises are being performed, as will be described in further detail below.

Furthermore, the exercise system 10 of the present invention includes at least one lower resistance device 20 having a center bar 24 with a resistance hook 22 on each end. The center bar 24 of the lower resistance device 20 is slidably moveable along the rear support 18 and releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 26 or the like. Preferably, the exercise system 10 includes a pair of lower resistance devices 20. A resistance band 28 is releasably attachable to each resistance hook 22 for providing resistance to the lower body when exercises are being performed, as will be described in further detail below.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention further includes an elongated, rectangular-shaped padded back support 30 mounted to the vertical support 14 against which the user leans their back and upper body when completing their work out. An abdominal support cushion 32 can be releasably secured to the back support 30 for use by female users while performing exercises facing the exercise system 10 so their chest does not press up against a chest support 30 mounted to the vertical support 14 directly above the abdominal support 32. In addition, a hand grip 34 can be mounted on each side of the back support 30 for grasping by the user during exercise.

As stated, mounted above the back support 30 of the exercise system 10 of the present invention is the chest support 34. Preferably, the chest support 34 is mounted to a first shaft 36 moveable through a first sleeve 38 with the first sleeve 38 secured to the vertical support 12 thereby allowing the chest support 34 to move in a general direction away from and toward the vertical support 14. The position of the chest support 34 relative to the vertical support 14 is releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 40 or the like.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention additionally includes a head support 42 mounted to the second end of the vertical support 14. The head support 42, like the chest support 34, is mounted to a second shaft 44 moveable through a second sleeve 46 with the second sleeve 46 secured to the vertical support 14 thereby allowing the head support 42 to move in a general direction away from and toward the vertical support 14. The position of the head support 42 relative to the vertical support 14 is releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 48 or the like. A resistance head band 50 can be provided to apply pressure from the back of the head forcing the user to hold the head back while performing exercises facing the exercise system 10.

In addition, the exercise system 10 of the present invention includes an upper resistance device 52 having a center bar 54 with a resistance hook 56 on each end. The center bar 54 of the upper resistance device 52 is slidably moveable along the vertical support 14 beneath the head support 42 and releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 58 or the like. A resistance band 60 is releasably attachable to each resistance hook 56 of the upper resistance device 52 for providing resistance to the upper body when exercises are being performed, as will be described in further detail below.

Further yet, the exercise system 10 of the present invention includes an angel arm mounting sleeve 62 secured to the vertical support 14, a first arm mounting shaft 64 slidably receivable in one side of the angel arm mounting sleeve 62, and a second arm mounting shaft 66 slidably receivable in the other side of the angel arm mounting sleeve 62. The length of the first arm mounting shaft 64 and the second arm mounting shaft 66 receivable within the angel arm mounting sleeve 62 can be adjusted and releasably locked in place via a tightening knob or the like.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention includes a first exercise arm 68 having a first end and a second end and a second exercise arm 70 having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first exercise arm 68 receives at least a portion of the first arm mounting shaft 64 and the second end of the second exercise arm 70 receives at least a portion of the second arm mounting shaft 66. The length of the first arm mounting shaft 64 and the second arm mounting shaft 66 receivable within the first exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 can be adjusted and releasably locked in place via tightening knobs or the like. A hinge 72 is positioned in the first exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 allowing the first exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 to bend approximately ninety (90°) degrees. The angle of the bend can be releasably locked into place with a pin or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the first exercise arm 68 has a first handle 74 slidably receivable in the second end of the first exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 has a second handle 76 slidably receivable in the second end of the second exercise arm 70. A pin or the like is insertable in a series of alignable apertures formed in both the first exercise arm 68 and the first handle 74 and the second exercise arm 70 and the second handle 76 allowing the extent of the handles 74, 76 to be adjusted by the user and making it easy laterally to raise (abduct) the arms over the head. The handles 74, 76 preferably are directed in a downward direction.

The manner of use of the exercise system 10 of the present invention will now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the manner of use of the exercise system 10 described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of use of the exercise system 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

In operation of the exercise system 10 of the present invention, there are basically two main positions while performing exercises. First, the exercise system 10 is height adjustable for adjusting the height of the exercise system 10. The exercise system 10 can include an air shock for assisting the user for ease in accomplishing their intended height. A tightening knob locks the height of the vertical support of the exercise system 10 in place. The user can either face the exercise system 10 or the user can put their back against the exercise system 10 so that the user is supported in the upright position. One of the main objectives accomplished by users using the exercise system 10 supporting the body in assuming a plumb line (i.e., standing straight up) posture.

Exercises that are performed facing the exercise system 10 of the present invention, if the user is male, include positioning the chest area against the chest support adjusted for the size of the user. The user can also position the resistance head band around the back of the head so it forces the user to hold the head back. One of the common postural mistakes people make when performing exercises is they flex their head forward and by having the resistance head band applying constant pressure on the back of the head is that it reminds the user to hold the head up and back, as it strengthens the back and neck extensor muscles (the muscles that hold upper body and head up.)

For female users of the exercise system 10 of the present invention, the user mounts the abdominal support on the back support for supporting their abdominal area, with their chest not touching the chest piece. The user will also position the resistance head band around the back of the head forcing the user to stand up straight assuming plumb line posture while engaging in the exercises.

With the user standing with the body facing the exercise system 10 of the present invention in a supported perfect upright position and the resistant band applying forward pressure on the back of the head, the exercise system 10 forces the user to hold the head back thereby creating a postural exercise. The exercise system strengthens the muscles in the entire back and neck that are fundamental for having correct, upright posture. As the user is standing in an upright posture with the head and back engaging in extension to stand up straight, there are also exercises of the upper body to improve the strength and stability of the upper body and shoulders.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention features adjustable lower resistance tubing hooks on the lower and upper parts that can also move up and down and lock in the desired position that the user wants. The resistance tubing used is approximately three (3′) feet to four (4′) feet in length and has handles on both sides. The resistance tubing is wrapped around the hooks on both sides of the exercise system 10 and the patient grabs hold of the handles with each hand. A range of different exercises are then performed overhead, arms straight out, and arms facing straight down.

The exercises being performed while facing the exercise system 10 of the present invention are all in the backward direction which strengthens the muscle that will bring the shoulders and upper body back (squeeze the shoulder blades back). These muscles are called the “scapular retractor muscles” (muscles used when the user squeezes the shoulder blades back.) The other muscles focused on are the external rotator muscles of the shoulder. These muscles simply allow the user to rotate the arms up and back for strengthening the scapular retractors and the external rotation muscles of the shoulders thereby counter balancing the commonly stressed positions assumed during daily activities consisting of excessive time on the computer, texting, and driving in a vehicle. These daily activities cause the shoulders to protract (go forward) and the internal rotator muscles (the muscles that rotate the arms forward and down) to over compensate, which leads to forward rounded, protracted shoulders, hunched posture, and forward head posture. The goal of the exercise system 10 is to work the muscles that do the exact opposite of the things done on an everyday basis that cause these bad postures.

While performing exercises on the exercise system 10 of the present invention with the user's back against the exercise system 10, the abdominal support (which is used for females) is removed and the chest support is positioned all the way in so the supports are flat allowing the user to put their back supported flat against the exercise system 10. With the hips, back, and head supported flat against the machine, the user can do a range of resistant tubing exercises. The users have the option of wrapping the resistance tubing around the lower resistance band hooks or around the upper resistance band hooks. The users also have the option of performing “angel arm exercises”. The exercise system 10 has two horizontal adjustable arms with grips for the user to grab. The handles guide the patient while performing abduction (laterally raising the arms over head) exercises.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention offers users a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the exercise system 10 provides users a simple, efficient and comfortable means of performing upper body range of motion exercises. Enabling the user to easily complete abduction or “angel arm” exercises, without causing strain and injury to themselves, the exercise system 10 allows the user to complete this exercise in a smooth and easy fashion. As such, use of the exercise system 10 spares the user the strain and discomfort associated with performing this exercise in the traditional manner. Eliminating the strain to the shoulders, upper back and arms so often associated with attempting to improve range of motion when in less that optimal physical shape, the exercise system 10 enables users to exercise their upper body safely and with ease. Further, by controlling the motion of the arms, via the integrated first exercise arm 34 and the second exercise arm 40 and handgrips 50, 56, use of the exercise system 10 ensures that the exercise was executed properly, as well as in a smooth and even manner. Increasing stability and improving posture, the exercise system 10 serves to improve the user's muscle tone, facilitating optimal overall health. Ideal for use by any exercise enthusiast, the exercise system 10 also proves an invaluable therapy tool for those who suffer limited mobility or are recovering from injury.

The exercise system 10 of the present invention offers exercise enthusiasts and those receiving from injury a practical way in which to complete range of motion exercises. Fully adjustable and easily operated, the exercise system 10 proves an invaluable commodity to anyone concerned with toning and building the upper body.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

1. An exercise system for conducting complete body range of motion exercises, the exercise system comprising: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface restable on a surface; a vertical support having a first end and a second end, the first end of the vertical support mounted to the top surface of the base; a rear support having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rear support attached to the top surface of the frame, the second end of the rear support attached to the vertical support at a point above the base frame; at least one lower resistance device slidably secured to the rear support; a lower resistance band releasably attachable to the at least one lower resistance device, the lower resistance band having a handle on each end; a back support mounted to the vertical support; a chest support mounted above the abdominal support; a head support mounted to the second end of the vertical support; an upper resistance device mounted below the head support; an upper resistance band releasably attachable to the upper resistance device, the upper resistance device having a handle on each end; a pair of arms extending from the vertical support; wherein upon the user grasping the handles and pulling on the lower resistance band or the upper resistance band, the resistance bands provide resistance to the user thereby toning and strengthening user's body thus improving both posture and range of motion.
 2. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the vertical support further comprises: a first support section; a second support section; and a tightening knob for releasably securing the desired position of the first support section to the second support section.
 3. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the rear support angles from the base to the vertical support.
 4. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the at least one lower resistance device is slidably moveable along the rear support and releasably securable in place.
 5. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: two lower resistance devices.
 6. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: an abdominal support releasably securable to the back support.
 7. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising; a hand grip mounted on each side of the back support.
 8. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the chest support is mounted to a first shaft moveable through a first sleeve, the first sleeve being secured to the vertical support and securing means for thereby allowing the chest support to move in a general direction away from and toward the vertical support.
 9. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the head support is mounted to a second shaft moveable through a second sleeve with the second sleeve secured to the vertical support thereby allowing the head support to move in a general direction away from and toward the vertical support.
 10. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: a resistance head band securable around the head support for receiving a user's head and applying pressure from the back of the head forcing the user to hold the head back while performing exercises facing the exercise system.
 11. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the upper resistance device is slidably moveable along the vertical support and releasably securable in place.
 12. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein pair of arms are adjustable in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the vertical support.
 13. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein each arm includes an arm mounting sleeve secured to the vertical support and a mounting shaft slidably receivable in each side of the mounting sleeve, wherein the length of the arms are adjustable and releasably locked in place.
 14. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein each arm has a hinge portion for bending each arm ninety degrees relative to the remaining portion of the arm.
 15. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: a first handle slidably receivable in one of the arms; and a second handle slidably receivable in another arm; wherein the handles are directed in a downward direction.
 16. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of each of the back support, the chest support, and the head support are alignable for a user to position his or her back against each support.
 17. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the chest support extends further from the vertical support than an outer surface of each of the back support and the head support.
 18. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the head support extends further from the vertical support than an outer surface of each of the back support and the chest support.
 19. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of each of the chest support and the head support extends further from the vertical support than an outer surface of the back support.
 20. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: an air shock for assisting the user for ease in accomplishing their intended height. 